FFE Class of August 15, 2011

Second attempt at posting. Good to see a post from you WTGal. Some your fellow classmates are back at the Lancaster terminal awaiting the conclusion of our trainers "time off". All of us have shared some laughs and there's positive reports from all of us regarding our time with the trainers. Looking forward to the second half of our OTR training. There's been some discussion about "team driving" for the first couple three months when we get the green light to go solo. I personally think that's a good idea for more than one reason. Cheers...........Floyd

 

My City Trainer was Fred Dunn. He was very relaxed, but very knowledable trainer. Great guy and I really enjoyed the time that I spent with him.

 

I'm currently in Winter Haven, FL. Our plans to be in TX got changed. We did an interchange in Ft. Stockton Friday night that required a hard drive to get us to FL by the am today. It worked out well for my trainer as this is home for him and allows him a couple of days hometime. I'm at a motel enjoying my reset. Passed my 1st level 2 inspection in Oregon w/o any violations . Really wasn't too bad; as the level 2 is more about the driver than the rig so, got that milestone crossed . With winter coming on the Teams isn't a bad idea! Glad to know you are doing well; tell the gang hello and hope to see you all soon. Kim

 

Have been from FL throughout the East Coast to the Midwest and back to FL again this week. Both my trainer and I ran out of hours yesterday so, we are down for a reset. Next Monday is my scheduled upgrade and I'm looking forward to getting that accomplished. Just another milestone to cross and see what unfolds after that. Stay safe out there as it seems like some days the 4 wheelers are out to get you.

 

This will be my last post as I upgraded today. Headed back to the DPS office on Red Bird tomorrow to get my Tanker endorsement as I am going to Midland and drive the Frac Trucks. This whole experience has been great and I am pleased with my decision to go FFE. My time OTR with my trainer provided me the opportunity to see so much of the USA that I probably would never have gotten to had I not chosen this profession. Midland will provide me the opportunity to be back in a location that I am very familiar with and hometime. I hope some of the information I have shared will be of use to others as they decide if FFE is the right choice for them. Stay Safe!

 

Congratulations Kim. I've got another week with the trainer as I missed a week waiting for a 2nd trainer. I've heard others have upgraded as well. I'm getting some LTL experience so that's good. There's some uncertainty as to when we'll get trucks. Bon and I are wanting to team drive. Is the "frac job" with FFE? .....Floyd

 

Yes, the Fracing is with the New Division called FFE Engineering in Midland. The trucks are running 24/7 and drivers work either a 12 hr 6-6 day or night shift; 4 days on 2 days off. The trucks are International Day Cabs currently pulling just water tankers for Pioneer Drilling. Expecting to expand and add sand hauling later.
I pretty excited as there is currently about 12 of us out here and they are definately going to grow this division as the "Oil Boom" is on in the Permian Basin again. Only problem for those considering coming out here is the shortage of rental housing and what is available is going for outrageous prices. Almost as bad as it was in the late '70s and early '80s. I'm lucky as I still had family and friends here to stay w/ and Lubbock is only a couple hours away for my off days to go home.
Hope you and my other "friends" get a workable solution for yourselves and Stay Safe. Stay in touch as I will send you my phone number by private message. Kim

 

kim, how is it working for FFE Engineering in the oilfields? I'm considering going to their academy and coming down there if I can. Gimme some details about it if u will. Thanks

 

College assignment? Sounds like ti. Not too many others would delve that deeply into a company's background.